Bruce Klein

Bruce Klein is a Professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in the School of Medicine and Public Health, with appointments in the Departments of Pediatrics, Medicine, and Medical Microbiology & Immunology. His research laboratory focuses on molecular medical mycology, particularly the pathogenesis and immunology of fungal infections.

• Education:
  • B.A., Boston University (1974)
  • M.D., Boston University (1978)
  • Postdoctoral Fellow, UW–Madison (1984–1986)

Research Interests: Dr. Klein’s work centers on Blastomyces dermatitidis, a thermally dimorphic fungus endemic to Wisconsin and the Mississippi, Ohio, and Missouri river valleys. His lab investigates the molecular mechanisms regulating the transition from mold to yeast, a key step in disease progression. Additionally, his team has developed a live attenuated vaccine strain of Blastomyces and studies the immunological basis of vaccine-induced protection, examining both innate and adaptive immune responses. His research also extends to other dimorphic fungi such as Histoplasma, Coccidioides, and Paracoccidioides.

Publication Trends: His recent publications, appearing in high-impact journals like Cell, Nature, and Science, reflect a strong focus on fungal immunology, host-pathogen interactions, vaccine development, and the broader ecological and clinical impacts of fungal diseases. Articles often explore immune regulation, T-cell responses, and strategies for combating treatment-resistant fungal infections.

Scientific Awards:

• Shirley S. Matchette Professor (2013)
• UW-Madison Hilldale Award in the Biological Sciences (2011)
• Elected to American Pediatric Society (2010)
• AAAS Fellow (2009)
• WARF Named Professor (Gerard B. Odell Professor) (2008)
• Elected to Association of American Physicians (2006)
• NIH MERIT Award (2005)
• American Academy of Microbiology Fellow (2002)
• Pfizer Visiting Professor in Infectious Diseases (2002)

Advising and Grants: Dr. Klein leads an active research laboratory with extensive NIH funding, supporting studies on fungal pathogenesis and immunity. He has mentored numerous trainees and contributed to national and international research collaborations in medical mycology. While specific student names are not listed in the provided text, his lab is clearly a training hub for graduate and postdoctoral researchers in microbiology and immunology.

Labs and Teams: The Klein Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is a multidisciplinary research group within the Microbial Sciences Building, integrating molecular biology, immunology, and microbiology to address challenges in fungal diseases. The lab collaborates with clinicians and scientists across the university and globally to translate basic findings into therapeutic and preventive strategies.